Lacombe’s own Mulder brothers will be preparing for the Allan Cup this week. Despite growing up and playing hockey in Lacombe, older brother, Blair and younger, Taylor Mulder are both happy to play on the Innisfail Eagles.

“Innisfail is a great organization, it’s my first year. Great group of guys. Innisfail is a great hockey town. I mean, Lacombe is great, I grew up playing here, and I can’t say enough good things about it, but I am happy to be where we are and Sutter is treating us pretty good,” said Taylor.

Blair added, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

After the best of two-game total goal series for provincials against the Lacombe Generals, the boys admitted that things often get a little competitive when facing the Lacombe team.

“Especially for me and Blair, both being Lacombe boys. There’s a little bit of a chip on the shoulder. I mean, it’s your hometown team it would be nice to beat them when you play them. Playing a fast-paced game like tonight, that’s just an indication of what it’s going to be like the whole Allan Cup,” said Taylor.

“It’s fun, but I mean you got to watch yourself a lot of the time,” added Blair.

Unlike the Generals, who were given a bit of a break heading into the Allan Cup. The Innisfail Eagles have been playing regular hard-nosed hockey. The Eagles have played seven games more than the Generals which has both its benefits and downfalls.

“Playing Stony Plain, that beat us up, and playing these guys, we’re all sore after. I mean, it’s good to get firing all cylinders going into that Allan Cup,” explained Blair.

With the Allan Cup so close to home, the boys anticipate quite a few fans, friends, and family coming out to cheer them on next week.

You can catch the Mulder brothers in action at the Allan Cup which runs from April 8th to 13th at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex. For more information about the Allan Cup or to buy tickets, click here.